Advanced Studies Program

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• Advanced Studies Program
• Niceville High School

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Presentation Objectives

• Overview of Advanced Studies Program
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
• Benefits of Advanced Studies Program
• Teacher, Student, and Parent Expectations
• Testimonials

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OVERVIEWofAdvanced Studies Program
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Advanced Placement

• The Advanced Placement Program, administered by
  the College Board and taught at local high
  schools, allows students to participate in a
  college-level course and possibly earn college
  credit while still in high school.
• Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this
  program to give students the opportunity to show
  mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP
  exam in May of each school year. The College
  Board, which also owns the SAT and PSAT
  examinations, is a non-profit organization.

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• AP Stats for NHS
• 165 students named AP Scholars for 2008
• 11 National AP Scholars
• 1,235 exams given in 2008
• 743 exams scored a 3 or higher
• 646 students participated in 2008
• Approximately 1,441 exams planned for 2009
• Approximately 775 students participating in 2009

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Important Points

• AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 5. A
  score of 3 or higher is considered
  passing.Approximately 90 of all U. S. colleges
  and universities recognize AP examination grades
  for credit and/or placement.
• NHS offers 22 AP courses.

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AP Courses at NHS

• Psychology
• American Government
• Macroeconomics
• Art History
• Art/Drawing Portfolio
• Studio Art 2-D
• Studio Art 3-D
• Computer Science
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Music Theory

• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Statistics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental Science
• World History
• Human Geography

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University of Cambridge International Examinations

• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is
  the worlds largest provider of international
  qualifications for 1419 year olds. CIE is part
  of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge,
  England. It is a non-profit organization.
• The mission of CIE, formally established in
  1998, is to work in partnership with education
  providers worldwide to deliver high-quality and
  leading-edge assessment services.

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Important Points

• Cambridge Examinations are scored as follows
  A, B, C, D, E, U. Scores of A through E are
  considered passing.
• Cambridge Examinations are commonly referred to
  as AICE, or Academic International Certificate of
  Education. This references the certificate
  awarded to students who pass an exam.
• Colleges and universities around the world
  recognize AICE scores for credit and/or
  placement.

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• AICE Stats for NHS
• NHS offers 7 AICE courses
• American History (11)
• Biology (11, 12)
• European History (9)
• General Paper (11)
• Latin (12)
• Marine Science (12)
• Thinking Skills (10, 11, 12)
• 70 exams given during 07-08 school year
• 106 exams planned for 08-09 school year
• 101 students participating for 08-09 school year

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Misc. Notes

• All OCSD students enrolled in an AS course must
  sit for the AS exam.
• AS courses are open to any motivated student
  willing to accept the challenge.
• The AS exam score is not a part of the students
  high school grade.
• Please plan ahead for AS exam dates.
• The College Board nor Cambridge allows exams to
  be taken late due to conflicts with family trips,
  etc.
• Senior students must request that their AS scores
  be added to their transcript.

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• The rigor of high school courses followed by
  GPA remains our top factors in the admissions
  process.
• We are looking for students who exemplify
  persistence in their coursework, especially in
  their senior year.
• Janice Finney
• Director of Admissions, FSU
• October 2008

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Why Advanced Studies?

• To improve chances of being admitted to a
  four-year university by taking the most rigorous
  courses
• To Emphasize your commitment to academic
  excellence
• To take exactly the kind of course you will face
  in college
• To increase self-esteem
• To challenge your academic potential
• To improve your chances of completing your
  college degrees, maintaining a higher GPA, and
  graduating with honors
• To experience a college-level exam
• To give more time in college to major and minor
  in another field of study

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• Refer to Recommended Progression
• of Advanced Studies Course Work
• Chart.

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The benefits of taking advanced courses
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Student, Parent and Teacher Expectations
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• Students are expected to complete daily reading
  assignments in order to be prepared for class
  discussions.
• Students can expect to spend more time reading
  and writing in AS courses as compared to honors
  level courses.
• Students should plan to take advantage of after-
  school tutoring and study groups.
• Students should remember that their teacher is
  the best source for information and assistance if
  and when they begin to feel overwhelmed.
• Students should begin NOW in considering their
  post-secondary plans by visiting college
  websites. (An excellent place to see what
  credits you may earn if you pass an AS course.)

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• Parents should work closely with their student to
  select the appropriate AS courses.
• When selecting courses, focus on areas of
  strength in your student.
• Parents should provide encouragement and optimism
  for their student.
• Parents should remember that the AS teacher is
  the first source of contact if questions
  arise-email is preferable.
• ParentsRELAX! It is okay if your student does
  not earn an A in an AS course. Remember, its
  rigor of the course for which colleges are
  looking.

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• Teachers expect students be prepared daily for
  class.
• Teachers expect students to be proactive in their
  studies even when there is no specific homework
  assigned, students should continue to seek
  knowledge on their own.
• Teachers expect parents to stay informed about
  their students studies and progress.
• Teachers expect students to ask for help when
  they need it, especially when it may not be
  obvious to the teacher.

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• Testimonials

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After talking to my friends who are already in
college, I know Ill be well prepared for
anything my professors throw at me. Taylor
Houghaboom
AP courses are more advanced and challenging.
They teach you the right way to memorize and take
notes to get you ready for college. Joey Young
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AP classes sometimes consume a lot of my time
but in the end Ill be making more money than the
kids in regular classes, at least thats what I
learned in AP Stats. Sarah Wainwright
I really enjoy AP classes they help me think
differently and challenge me. AP classes keep an
ongoing discussion and its a lot easier to
connect with the subjects. Connor Settlemire
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• Now, enjoy some comments
• from current
• NHS Advanced Studies
• students and staff!

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• Visit
• WWW.NICEVILLEHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
• and view this presentation
• under the Advanced Studies tab.
• Also, regularly visit our website
• for information concerning registration.